Posted on Jul 13, 2015
SGT Infantryman
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When, as NCO's, should you consider your workplace to be a toxic work environment? What criteria should you use to determine it? And most importantly, who do you report it to, with an expectation of resolving it?
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Responses: 7
SGM Matthew Quick
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When officers and senior NCOs aren't doing the right thing, but expecting subordinates too.
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SGT Infantryman
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Great point SGM. Pointing it out and doing the right thing is where moral courage comes in to play.
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SMSgt First Sergeant
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This is a great question. There are many things that go into the decisions that need to be made to fix the toxic environment.
1. What is making it toxic?
2. Are there more than one individual that feels it is toxic?
3. Is your CC a part of the problem? If not go to them and give them a chance to fix it.
Unit climate assessment would be a great place to start. If you are worried about reprisal then stay anonymous. If not then put your name all over it.
Here is my thoughts on what constitutes toxic leadership.
1. Little to no morale
2. Cliques
3. NCOs openly bashing leadership
4. SNCOs openly bashing leadership
5. CGOS openly bashing leadership
6. CC abusing his position of authority
7. NCOs/SNCOs/CGOs promoting a do as I say not as I do atmosphere
I am speaking from experience. The way we fixed the toxic environment was through a UCA. A few of us put our names in the UCA and met with the CC about our comments. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard, but if your environment is toxic then you owe it to not only yourself, but other soldiers to ensure these toxic leaders are exposed and dealt with. Just my .02
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SGT Infantryman
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Thanks for the very relevant points and the advice 1stSgt.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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You despise going to work and have anxiety when going in. The person who can change things is one who has the higher rank as the culprits. You need to think about this and who you can trust. You will need moral courage.
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SGT Infantryman
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Good advice sir, thank you for taking the time to respond.
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